Petition Launched to Block Glasgow Student Development

A petition has been launched by Glasgow Green calling on the council to reject plans to demolish Glasgow's oldest pub, to make way for a 12-storey block of student flats consisting of 426 beds.

Despite the Old College Bar on High Street dating back to the early 1800s, the building remains unlisted, although the submitted planning application does note the site sits within a conservation area.

Green MSP Patrick Harvie said the city council needs to recognise the substantial value independent businesses bring to the high street.

Mr Harvie added: "A green light for this development would be another nail in the coffin for local businesses on High street.

"Approving this application would play into the hands of developers who are saturating the housing market with short-term, poor-quality and unaffordable accommodation."

Scottish Green Party candidate and spokesperson for local business, Christy Mearns also said: "The Old College bar is a treasured hub for local residents and I would hate to see it flattened to make way for yet more unaffordable student accommodation."

Christy Mearns also argued that people all over Scotland had responded to the petition with concerns that cultural heritage is being removed from the heart of the city and that small businesses and many students are being priced out. Ms Mearns suggested Glasgow City Council should listen to the voices of concern and therefore reject the application.